Brownback Praises New Judicial Selection Law

Gov. Sam Brownback says recent changes in how Kansas Court of Appeals judges are chosen have led to a more democratic process and that he would support similar changes for the state Supreme Court.

Brownback spoke Thursday to members of the conservative-leaning Federalist Society in Overland Park.

A new Kansas law lets the governor appoint members of the Court of Appeals, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The law ended the use of a special commission that screened applicants and selected three finalists.

Brownback’s first appointee under the new system, Caleb Stegall, was confirmed this month.

The governor calls the new procedure “more a vote of the people.”

He says he would support the same method for naming judges to the Kansas Supreme Court – or having them chosen through elections.